Westbury Okinawan Karate, which is offered by the Westbury Recreation Department, had its formal August Testing and Reception Party on Monday, Aug. 7. Students who met the attendance requirements and the proficiency of the skills that were required were tested.

The following students passed their test and were advanced to the next belt level:

7th Kyu - Gold Belt w/Stripe: Jennifer Pareja and Dwayne Depusoir

9th Kyu -Purple Belt: Kirsten Lynch and Jourdon Lynch

2nd Kyu - Brown Belt: Greg Abram

4th Kyu - Green Belt: Quentin Abram

9th Kyu - Purple Belt: Kelsey Lynch

The students received their new belts and certificates of advancement from Sensei John Power. After testing, refreshments, pizza and snacks were enjoyed by the students and their families.

Marcel Toussaint 4th Dan, a blackbelt from Sensei Power's Little Neck dojo was on hand to witness and participate in the testing. Toussaint, along with Aniello Discala 1st Dan, Gus Villatoro 3rd Dan and Damon Bruccoleri 1st Dan, regularly assist Sensei Power at the Westbury dojo.

The Westbury Okinawan Karate School (dojo), has been working with the Westbury Recreation Department to bring a traditional Okinawan style of karate to the village. The program, coordinated by Sensei Power, is well into its fourth year. The Westbury school runs a year round continuous program that eventually leads to blackbelt and beyond. The school accepts children (boys and girls) 5 years of age up to and including adults. New students are always welcome and there is continuous enrollment every Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For additional information call Sensei John Power at 333-8489 or visit www.westburykarate.com.